Research Associate

We are seeking a highly talented candidate for a fixed term Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) position, who will be based in the Geoenvironmental Research Centre (GRC) at Cardiff University, School of Engineering. We will focus on alkaline waste carbonation and utilisation in cement as part of an EPSRC-funded project entitled “Regulating CaCO3 polymorphism to unlock the potential of carbonated steel slag as a cement replacement (CAPTURE)” led by Dr Fei Jin. In this project, we will regulate the CaCO3 polymorphism during alkaline waste carbonation, and use the carbonated products to substitute Portland cement clinker. Via a multi-technique approach and collaborative research programme, we will demonstrate a more efficient and effective way of utilising alkaline solid waste through carbon capture, utilisation and storage. You will have good knowledge of cement chemistry and laboratory experience with the production, testing and analysis of cements.  In this role, you will have the opportunity to undertake time- and space-resolved nano-scale Raman and FTIR testing of cementitious materials in the School of Chemistry. You will be responsible for writing scientific papers and reporting to other members of the CAPTURE consortium, presenting at bimonthly meetings, and other research events.

An essential part of this project is knowledge exchange and research collaboration. We aim to build a long-lasting partnership between researchers from the UK, China and Singapore, to share our knowledge and skills, and to explore future research opportunities. You will have excellent interpersonal, communication and organisational skills, with the ability to manage a varied workload. As the lead PDRA in this project, you will collaborate with researchers widely within Cardiff University and those from China and Singapore. You will have opportunity to spend time in China and Singapore for building and exploring wider networks and disseminating project results to different audience.

This post is full time, 35 hours per week available from 01/04/2024 and is fixed term for 12 months until 31/03/2025.

Salary: £39,347 - £44,263 per annum (Grade 6). We do not anticipate appointing this position above point 32. £39,347 per annum.

Job ref: 17818BR

For informal enquiries about the post please contact Dr Fei Jin ([email protected] )

For further details about working at Cardiff School of Engineering please contact Chiara Riolo [email protected]

It is anticipated that interviews will be held on 25 January 2024.

Date advert posted: Tuesday, 5 December 2023

Closing date: Tuesday, 2 January 2024

The School of Engineering holds an Athena SWAN Bronze Award that recognises good employment practice and a commitment to develop the careers of women working in science. Cardiff University is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity. For this vacancy we actively encourage women to apply. We will also consider proposals for flexible working or job share opportunities.

Cardiff University is a signatory to the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA), which means that in hiring and promotion decisions we will evaluate applicants on the quality of their research, not publication metrics or the identity of the journal in which the research is published. More information is available at:  Responsible research assessment - Research - Cardiff University